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Cardinals force takeaways, masking how much time the defense spent on the field

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) intercepts a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. (17) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) intercepts a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. (17) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) scores a touchdown on a returned fumble in front of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. (17) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) scores a touchdown on a returned fumble in front of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. (17) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) returns a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) returns a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) and quarterback Josh Rosen (3) walk off the field after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) and quarterback Josh Rosen (3) walk off the field after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) drops back against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) drops back against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) runs out of bounds in front of Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) runs out of bounds in front of Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) runs in front of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) runs in front of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) runs against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, bottom, during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) runs against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, bottom, during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson, left, runs in front of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson, left, runs in front of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) is helped off the field by head coach Steve Wilks, right, and trainers during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) is helped off the field by head coach Steve Wilks, right, and trainers during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, bottom, is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, bottom, is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes, bottom center, celebrates with teammates after returning a fumble by San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes, bottom center, celebrates with teammates after returning a fumble by San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) is congratulated by wide receiver Pierre Garcon (15) and quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) is congratulated by wide receiver Pierre Garcon (15) and quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Richard Sherman (25) talks with field judge James Coleman during the second half of an NFL football game between the 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Richard Sherman (25) talks with field judge James Coleman during the second half of an NFL football game between the 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal attempt, which he missed, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal attempt, which he missed, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Oct 7, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Kyle Juszczyk (44) reacts after picking up a first down against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Oct 7, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Kyle Juszczyk (44) reacts after picking up a first down against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Adrian Colbert (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Adrian Colbert (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

San Francisco 49ers running back Alfred Morris, left, runs against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Alfred Morris, left, runs against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) catches a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) catches a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Malcolm Smith (51) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Malcolm Smith (51) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) runs toward the end zone to score on a touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) runs toward the end zone to score on a touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Fans watch from a general view of Levi's Stadium as a plane flies during the national anthem before an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Fans watch from a general view of Levi's Stadium as a plane flies during the national anthem before an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) runs toward the end zone to score on a touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) runs toward the end zone to score on a touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Tony Avelar, AP

Oct 7, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive back Rudy Ford (30) poses for a photo with teammates before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Oct 7, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive back Rudy Ford (30) poses for a photo with teammates before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 7, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) prepares to take the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Oct 7, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) prepares to take the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 7, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) prepares to take the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Oct 7, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) prepares to take the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches as players warm up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches as players warm up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches as players warm up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches as players warm up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Jeff Chiu, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Jeff Chiu, AP

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida, left, runs against Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Jeff Chiu, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida, left, runs against Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Jeff Chiu, AP

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Ben Margot, AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Ben Margot, AP

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

Photos: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) intercepts a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. (17) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.

The Cardinals defense was on the field for 40:12, as the 49ers offense ran 92 plays – the most of any NFL team in a non-overtime game since 2012. The last time the Cardinals defense allowed that many plays was in 1958, when they still played in Chicago.

"In regards to the number of plays, we’ve got to do a much better job of getting off the field," Wilks said Monday. "(The 49ers) had a 13-play drive right there, I believe in the third quarter, and they only had one third down. So again, we’ve got to create negative plays and get these guys in third and long and get off the field."

The 49ers converted 10 of their 17 third downs. Even when they did face third and long, they were able to convert on a couple of those. The Cardinals stopped them on third downs of 19 and 17 yards, but the 49ers also converted on third downs of 14 and 13.

In all, San Francisco had 33 first downs, only two by penalty.

CLOSE

azcentral sports' Katherine Fitzgerald and Bob McManaman break down the Cardinals' first win the season in San Francisco over the 49ers.
Tom Tingle, The Republic | azcentral.com

Factoring in penalties and special teams, many members of the Cardinals defense were on the field for more than 100 plays. Safety Budda Baker could feel that he was out there a lot, but didn't realize the exact numbers until after the game.

"It was crazy," Baker said Monday. "I don’t think I’ve ever played a hundred (snaps), not even in college ball, so that was a first."

While elated to dominate the turnover battle and get their first win, players were putting in perspective just how long they had been out there during the game.

“We’ve definitely got to get off the field," safety Antoine Bethea said Sunday. "However we have to do it, we have to get off the field. But when we’re on the field, we’ve got to play ball regardless of how many snaps it is. It could be 15, it could be 100. We’ve got to do what we’ve got to do."

What that defense has got to do is tighten up. Baker said the team will be focusing on tackling and stopping the run in particular.

He also said the team was emphasizing a "bend but don't break" mentality, though the 49ers scored a touchdown each of the three times they reached the red zone.

The team aims each week to limit its opponent to 100 yards rushing or less; they allowed San Francisco to gain 147. It may have been more had running back Matt Breida not injured his ankle on the last play of the first quarter.

Breida and other injuries aside, the 49ers were able to capitalize on the Cardinals' mistakes to sustain those drives.

"I think it’s more self-inflicted when you look at some of the things that I see on film," Wilks said. "Our guys not using their hands, guys not getting off blocks, guys jumping out of their gaps, a missed tackle here, not trying to leverage the football. So, things that we’ve got to correct to give ourselves a chance to be able to get off the field."

With his defensive background, Wilks is sure to take pride in any takeaways, but he's not neglecting the details this week in film sessions and in practice.

"I just point out the obvious, which I just showed the guys," Wilks said. "To me, it’s again a guy jumping out of his gap here. The next thing you know, we create a negative play, and two plays later, a guy’s jumping out of his gap and giving up a 17-yard run. Again, it’s really execution by us."

The next few days will be about corrections, but they'll also be about recovery. A day after the game, and after traveling back from Santa Clara, Calif., some of the Cardinals were still feeling the lingering effects of being on the field for more than two-thirds of the game.

"Yeah, I mean definitely feeling it right now, so just gotta get treatment," said Baker, who started to feel the physical wear during the game.

"By like the fourth quarter, mid-fourth quarter, your body starts to deteriorate, but at the end of the day, we’re just trying to get off the field and give the ball back to the offense."

Even though he was sore a day later, Baker didn't think the team would be hampered moving forward. Wilks' insistence on using the heat to their advantage can help them there.

Since the season began, they've rarely used their bubble during the portions of practice open to the media, opting to work out in the heat instead. That conditioning paid off Sunday when the Cardinals forced two critical turnovers late in the fourth quarter.

Wilks said he's not anticipating pulling back on practice this week. Plus, there's not much time to rest. The Cardinals take on the 2-2-1 Vikings in Minnesota this Sunday, before a home bout with the Broncos the following Thursday.

Not only do the Cardinals have plenty of film to watch in the meantime, but that means opposing teams do, too.

"You know teams ahead are going to see that, and they’re going to run those same plays," Baker said. "This is a copy-cat league, and we know the things that we messed up this week, the Vikings will probably put it in their offensive playcalling."

The Cardinals in particular had trouble defending screen plays early on in the game. Still, Minnesota will have to game plan for Chandler Jones and a defense hungry to show that its 17 preseason takeaways were not a fluke.

In the end, perhaps Sunday's five forced turnovers were best viewed as a reward for a long, long day of work.

"You have to commend the players for that, in my opinion," Wilks said. "Been on the field quite a bit, but not really trying to take a play off and trying to go out and execute and make something happen."